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Kristen Mullen / The Citizens' Voice
Members of Michael T. Conahan's family, including his wife, Barbara, leave the federal courthouse in Scranton on Friday.

Conahan

SCRANTON - U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik released more than two dozen letters asking for leniency when sentencing former Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Conahan for his role in the kids-for-cash scandal.

The release came shortly after Kosik sentenced Conahan to 17½ years in federal prison and contained letters from area businessmen, friends, and attorneys, including First Assistant Luzerne County Public Defender Demetrius W. Fannick.

"Although it may not be 'politically correct' or popular with the news media frenzy surrounding the case, I feel compelled out of my belief in fairness and my knowledge of the Judge to write in support of Michael Conahan," Fannick wrote.

Fannick cited his experience in Conahan's court and offered that the former judge was "intelligent and fair" and had "compassion and understanding for all who appeared before him."

"During the course of the legal process which will soon be concluded with your most difficult task of imposing a sentence, I have had an opportunity to periodically interact with the Judge," Fannick wrote. "It clearly appears that he has acknowledged his responsibility, is deeply remorseful, and is prepared to accept the consequences of his actions. I trust and know from experience that in your courtroom he will receive appropriate consideration for his many years of honorable service to his profession, his family, and his community."

Most of the letters referenced close family ties and Conahan's good deeds, including helping rehabilitate people through the drug court program he at one time oversaw and taking young law students under his wing.

"I can tell you, with complete honesty, that had it not been for my experience with Mr. Conahan, and drug court, the support and encouragement that I received in that part of my journey," drug court graduate Shauna Fedak wrote, "there is no telling where I would be today, or if I would even be alive."

Pointing to guest lectures, internships and references, the letters asked Kosik to also consider Conahan's work with young law students.

"I have known him to generously provide his personal time to find educational or career opportunities for the youth he encountered," wrote Carol Makuta, a friend and colleague of Conahan's wife, Barbara, "whether it involved imparting information or providing a personal recommendation or contact."

In stark contrast to comments from Conahan's attorney, Philip Gelso, that issues with his father tilted the former judge's moral compass, many of the letters attributed Conahan's good deeds and public service to his upbringing. Some comments from close friends include:

"The family's reputation is impeccable. Being raised in a family of Catholic faith, all of the nine children were greatly influenced by strong family unity and values. Hard-working, respectful, and loyal are all words that can be used to describe Michael Conahan," wrote Karen Olander, who has known the Conahan family for more than 40 years.

"The Mike Conahan I know exemplified his family's values. He is a kind, caring and compassionate individual. I would never hesitate to contact him or any of his family if I was in need. I consider myself lucky to know him and his family," wrote Kate Clemente, longtime family friend.

"Michael was raised by two of the finest people I have known in the course of my life. Michael received a strong family upbringing and respect was essential in the Conahan family and I know that Michael took that into his adult life. Michael's parents taught him the values that every good Catholic family maintains and he was expected to live by those values," wrote Wayne Doherty, friend of Conahan's since 1968.

Michael R. Sisak, staff writer, contributed to this report.

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